Discipleship Point
1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
~Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
Rich or poor, spiritually or financially, the real blessing is to be in Christ. In Jesus’ day, many equated financial success with spiritual blessing. All the more reason to hear Jesus’ quote from Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor".
The blessing, or good news in Isaiah 61, reaches out to rich and poor. Neither is excluded. Some financially poor might self-exclude due to the mistaken notion that they’re already ‘cursed’ with poverty. But the financially well-off have their own problems (James 5:1-6). Both need to put their hope in God.
James 5:1-6
Warning to Rich Oppressors
1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Discipleship Prayer
Father God, whether I’m rich or poor financially, I rejoice that You are rich toward me. I want to be rich toward You in my finances, my energy, and my time. I want to keep You first, above all things, and in the right place. Thank You for providing everything I need, starting with and ending with Jesus, who authors and perfects my faith. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:57-64 8th letter: Heth (ח)
- You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words. - I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise. - I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes. - I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands. - Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law. - At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws. - I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts. - The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Exodus 23:2
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.
The Promise
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Pondering Point
Who are your friends in the Gospel, those who fear God and follow His precepts? Thank God for them and reach out and tell them that you are grateful for them.